For those who might be interested, I'd like to give a huge, huge shout-out to the craftsmanship of MLPT-fan, who is easily one of the best plushie creators in the entire fandom. I managed to snag a spot on her commission queue recently, and the result is this adorable Applebloom joining our plushie stable:

Grand_Moff_Joseph:For those who might be interested, I'd like to give a huge, huge shout-out to the craftsmanship of MLPT-fan, who is easily one of the best plushie creators in the entire fandom. I managed to snag a spot on her commission queue recently, and the result is this adorable Applebloom joining our plushie stable

That's cute beyond words.

But she loses points if the Cutie Mark Crusaders cape isn't lined with shiny gold fabric.

Chariset:Grand_Moff_Joseph: For those who might be interested, I'd like to give a huge, huge shout-out to the craftsmanship of MLPT-fan, who is easily one of the best plushie creators in the entire fandom. I managed to snag a spot on her commission queue recently, and the result is this adorable Applebloom joining our plushie stable

That's cute beyond words.

But she loses points if the Cutie Mark Crusaders cape isn't lined with shiny gold fabric.

Oh, it is; I'll try to provide a pic in the morning. In the meantime, here's a quote from her description of the finished product (as seen on her DA gallery):

"This time I made her with completely new mane, tail and bow patterns, I added satin stitches in the hair; also this the first filly with new ear pattern. She is made out of Shannon minky fabrics, with machine embroidered eyes and details on the cape. Mouth and nostrils are hand-embroidered. Cape is removable and the lower layer is made out of soft gold fabric."

Chariset:Grand_Moff_Joseph: For those who might be interested, I'd like to give a huge, huge shout-out to the craftsmanship of MLPT-fan, who is easily one of the best plushie creators in the entire fandom. I managed to snag a spot on her commission queue recently, and the result is this adorable Applebloom joining our plushie stable

That's cute beyond words.

But she loses points if the Cutie Mark Crusaders cape isn't lined with shiny gold fabric.

Stealing fabric from Rarity worked out fine for the CMC, it worked out fine in Manehattan a few weeks ago... what could possibly go wrong? Nevertheless I stand by my initial reaction, which was this:

This dovetails nicely with the Hasbro earnings conference call last week: "Behind a successful global entertainment, licensing and retail strategy which re-launched the brand in 2010, My Little Pony has grown to represent approximately $650 million at retail across the blueprint."

Still looking for a transcript for the NYC toy show conference call and associated analyst Q&A from earlier today (it's streamable from Hasbro's investor site but it's two and a half hours long), but the gist of the slide deck and the Q&A confirm the second movie, two more toy lines released in concert with the show/movie, and an expansion of the brand. The slide titled "Expanding the MLP consumer" aims the show at 3-6, the toys at 5+, and MLP:EG at 5-10+, and although I'm not sure that directly translates into five more years of pony, it does suggest they've recognized the growth over the past three years and are looking towards a longer-term strategy for the franchise.

Twilight Farkle:The slide titled "Expanding the MLP consumer" aims the show at 3-6, the toys at 5+, and MLP:EG at 5-10+, and although I'm not sure that directly translates into five more years of pony, it does suggest they've recognized the growth over the past three years and are looking towards a longer-term strategy for the franchise.

I think the long term shelf-life of the franchise depends on three things:

Frankly, given the nature of this specific franchise, #3 is arguably more critical than even 1+2 together. Besides Family Guy, MLP is the only other cartoon show/fandom that I can ever recall having such a strong link between the VAs and the characters that they bring to life. A lot of fans would be hard pressed to accept a new voice for Peter or Lois, and I think the same would be true for Twilight or Rarity (for example)

Grand_Moff_Joseph:Twilight Farkle: The slide titled "Expanding the MLP consumer" aims the show at 3-6, the toys at 5+, and MLP:EG at 5-10+, and although I'm not sure that directly translates into five more years of pony, it does suggest they've recognized the growth over the past three years and are looking towards a longer-term strategy for the franchise.

I think the long term shelf-life of the franchise depends on three things:

Frankly, given the nature of this specific franchise, #3 is arguably more critical than even 1+2 together.

With MLP:EG having to extend its theatrical run last year (I assume the Herd had a lot to do with that) and the toys as the #1 selling doll for the Christmas season (I assume these sales were mostly made to the core demographic), and MLP being referred to as a core brand, I don't see #3 at immediate (1-2 year) risk. Looking at it purely from a numbers point of view, Hasbro's goal was to make the Hub profitable on a pretax basis in 2014, and they've got the momentum to do so. It's a lot cheaper to keep paying DHX to keep on doing what they're already doing than to try to cut corners.

Ratings and merch (vs. licensed) sales are a function of creative continuity, and it seems like they get that. On the Boys side, they're looking forward to the next Transformers movie, which, as long as it features Michael Bay blowing stuff up, should also be an hour or two of fun.

"It begins with TV but goes beyond commercials to include storytelling and content: film and television programming on all screens. First we drive the scale and reach of our brand and message to get them to like us. Next, we create more interaction through digital ads, exclusive video content, games or social media, to move the consumer from "like" to "love." And finally, if we've done our job right, they want the product. ... Let me give you an example: if we're able to encourage fans of MLP to watch a 1-minute video on YouTube, five times, this is far less expensive out of pocket and more targeted than traditional advertising, and this is why content is so important to us."

Twilight Farkle:Let me give you an example: if we're able to encourage fans of MLP to watch a 1-minute video on YouTube, five times, this is far less expensive out of pocket and more targeted than traditional advertising, and this is why content is so important to us."

Chariset:Grand_Moff_Joseph: For those who might be interested, I'd like to give a huge, huge shout-out to the craftsmanship of MLPT-fan, who is easily one of the best plushie creators in the entire fandom. I managed to snag a spot on her commission queue recently, and the result is this adorable Applebloom joining our plushie stable

That's cute beyond words.

But she loses points if the Cutie Mark Crusaders cape isn't lined with shiny gold fabric.